Cars can certainly have a “vibe” if the right cosmetic tweaks are made, and this Porsche 930 screams 1970s European performance car. Obviously, the turbocharged 911 variants are immediately distinguishable thanks to their fat arches and giant whale tail spoiler, but the 930 is a special breed that harkens back to a unique era when the next generation of high-performance cars were closely related to their track-bred brethren. The Martini stripes on this 1978 930 listed here on eBay may seem tacky to some, but to me, it reminds us of how think the line was between road and track.
The performance car landscape in the late 1970s was somewhat bleak. The Mustang II Cobra spun out well under 200 horsepower, and the Corvette just barely mustered 210 b.h.p. However, there was no shortage of attitude when it came to visual enhancements, with the Mustang wearing exaggerated body graphics and decals, and the Corvette wading into an ongoing series of parade car duties at major racing events. But when the 930 arrived on the scene, it destroyed any preconceived notions of what a performance car should be. Heck, the reason Porsche called it a 930 instead of a 911 Turbo is because of how dramatically re-engineered it was.
The 930 came to the table with numerous changes over the standard 911. The engine was the most obvious area of enhancement, with power rated at around 265 horsepower and 291 lb.-ft. of torque. That’s here in the U.S., as the European market cars made more power out of the box. The 930 came replete with upgrades like sport seats, a front spoiler, wide fenders, Fuchs alloy wheels, upgraded suspension and brakes, all of which appears to be accounted for here. The 930 was repainted in its original color in the past, with the Martini stripes and fender rock guards added later on.
Supposedly, the seller holds receipts totalling over $24,000 over a few years of ownership. Among them are invoices for a rebuilt transmission, wheel bearings, and an upgraded exhaust. Apparently, when the car was still fairly new, the engine developed an ominous noise and Porsche rebuilt the motor (not sure if this was a warranted replacement) which included new pistons, jugs, rings, engine seals, upgraded chain tensioners, upgraded valve covers, and crankcase resealing. Clearly, this 930 has been loved and cherished, with just three owners from new and what sounds like plenty of documentation supporting years of ongoing service.
The Martini look is overshadowed with all the black areas. The factory cars were a lot better looking.
Just under 101K and under reserve. I’m not sure what my reaction is to that.
In the late 70s, the pure acceleration of these had gear heads hopefull that performance perhaps might return to us mere mortals. That would take a while. My boss had one. (more money then driving ability, the car almost killed him more then once. talk about luck. Widow maker!) Let me drive it once. I was amazed at the sheer power, but when I
tried to apply throttle around a corner, I swear my pants gained a pound of matter in them. Just not properly balanced for that kind of sudden burst of power. Later he traded it for a 928. Got to drive that one to. Much nicer machine.
Early 90’s I bought a ‘79 silver 930 with about 10k miles on the clock. I paid $32k for it at the time. Owned it a few years. Really did not know how to drive it correctly , so I was noticeably careful. Turned it all the way around on the interstate one day dodging a large can. Had a young son at the time so sold it for $36k thinking I may not survive this car. Saw one at a car show recently , same color and brought back lots of memories. It seemed awfully small seeing it this time around. A Dr friend of mine had one that truly was a throw up green color. I always teased him about chosing that color. Now , I hears these off color 930’s are the most valuable. Assuming in good stock condition and low miles.
I worked for race car driver Hurley Haywood’s family in Illinois in the ’70’s. He had a black 930 turbo and I got to drive it to the Porsche dealer for service! I was 16 and it was the thrill of a lifetime!
Now, admittedly I could in no way, shape, or form be confused for a person that is well versed in Porsche automobiles, (although I do have a family member that has a Boxster, so there is that) but I have to ask, is a 1978 930 really worth over 100K? I mean, seriously, are they that caliber of car? I just don’t see it.
Around 8 years ago I saw fine examples of 930’s being sold for close to $300k. Prices have come down considerably since then. But yes , to $100k as I believe only 600 examples were shipped to America. Who knows how many have crashed and burned. The one I had was bought from me apparently by a drug dealer. At the time of purchaser I had no idea. As the Feds called me and asked about the deal and how did the guy pay me. I told them he paid me in cash. Later I heard my old 930 sat with open windows in a police lot for a long time. So scratch one nice 930.
Tacky is the right word.